Safety has always been a huge concern for me because I've had some close calls before. I've been on a range firing when there were people down range that weren't supposded to have been there. I learned first hand, how quickly things can go wrong and have been extremely lucky. I just hope and pray that none of you will ever have to learn these lessons first hand.

There may have been some quirks with camera angles but the main pic that really started this was the one of a woman behind the tables shooting a revolver while another guy was forward of the table with a rifle. In my time on AF Ranges I've seen even experienced shooters, with wheel guns, put rounds in the dirt not 3' in front of them. That's what really kind of touched me off.

As for the group pic. I don't see anything wrong there. Even if one or more of the guns hadn't been fully cleared, if there was no one touching them while the pic was set up and taken, then, no worries. Been in that situation my self and more than once.

However, it really does my heart good to read the responces on this topic. I'm ecstatic to see that you take safety as seriously as I do.

BBadmin,
Stunning idea! Absolutly great! The main thing for any range, is to have someone to insure the safety of all shooters. Having multiple RSO's is even better. I too would love to attend an RSO class if possible. You'er never too old or experienced to learn something new.

You might also set some RSO to Shooter ratios. On a formal range we always had to maintain 1 primary instructor, plus 1 RSO for every 7 shooters. That may be a bit much for an impromtu shoot like yours. You may think about just maintaining one at each end if you have like 20 or more shooters. Some thing like that.

I'm also grateful that, at least as far as those who've responded anyway, no one took my remarks negitively. To be honest, I've only fired on civilian ranges a few times, and wasn't really impressed with some of them. I've see some where the safety is pushed so hard, it takes all the fun out of shooting, like the range at Cherry Creek State Park. I've also seen some, that will remain nameless, where your safety is left to pure luck. I firmly believe that there can be a middle ground where we can ensure the safety of ourselves and our friends, without taking the fun out of shooting. The RSO idea is a great start!